Sh80m set aside for village polytechnics

Over Sh80 million will be used to rehabilitate vocational training centres, formerly known as village polytechnics.

Governor David Nkedianye yesterday said five institutions in the county are in need of rehabilitation after years of neglect.

The governor said the amount will be used in constructing more workshops and also rehabilitate the old ones.

''We plan to spend more money during the next financial year in improving lives of the youth. We are targeting those who have completed secondary education," said Mr Nkedianye.

He was speaking at Isinya Polytechnic after opening of a newly rehabilitated facility.

Nkedianye urged parents to stop discriminating against their children, and give both boys and girls a chance to go to school.

''I'm appealing to all the parents to take their children to school and avoid this culture of marrying off young girls to old men. Education is the best gift parents can give their children," he said.

During the function, a group of students graduated in different skills.

County health records show that the community is among those who still embrace Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), at 89 per cent.

Nkedianye called on leaders from the area to openly speak out on the dangers of FGM and early marriages.